As it turns out, Justin Smith’s upper body hasn’t been feeling too good for much of the past 19 months. The 49ers defensive tackle revealed today that he spent the 2013 season playing with a shoulder injury he sustained in training camp. Smith didn’t offer specifics, but acknowledged he knew the injury would require offseason surgery. …

Kaepernick was more expansive when asked about tight end Vernon Davis, who reported today after skipping the offseason program because of dissatisfaction with his contract. Kaepernick said he wasn’t surprised Davis reappeared with the regular season now looming. …

Now, the 49ers hope recent history will repeat itself after selecting Northern Illinois’ Jimmie Ward in the first round in May. Ward is expected to serve as a backup safety, but the 49ers mostly want him to replace Carlos Rogers as the nickel cornerback. …